3. This psalm teaches that God is willing to use His great
power for His people. Some commentators, including the
editors of the LXX, have suggested that this psalm was
written to celebrate the destruction of Sennacherib’s
Assyrian army (in 701 B.C.), as well as the subsequent
assassination of Sennacherib himself (verses 5-6;
compare 2 Kings chapters 18 and 19; Isa. Chapters 36 and
37).
The psalm also includes eschatological overtones
(especially verses 8-12), when Jehovah will defeat His
enemies and bring them into judgment.
I. God’s Nearness to His People (76:1-3).
II. God’s Deliverance of His People (76:4-9).
III. God’s Majesty to His People (76:10-12).
4. I. God’s Nearness to His People (76:1-3).
1 God is renowned in Judah; in Israel his name is great.
2 His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There he broke the flashing arrows, the shields and the
swords, the weapons of war.
5. II. God’s Deliverance
of His People (76:4-9)
4 You are radiant with light, more majestic than
mountains rich with game.
5 The valiant lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep;
not one of the warriors can lift his hands.
6 At your rebuke, God of Jacob, both horse and
chariot lie still.
7 It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand
before you when you are angry?
8 From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the
land feared and was quiet—
9 when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the
afflicted of the land.
6. III. God’s Majesty
to His People
(76:10-12)
10 Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise, and the
survivors of your wrath are restrained.
11 Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the
neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared.
12 He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the
earth.
